How to Make Beef Jerky Soft Again (4 Easy Methods)

Beef Jerky is usually trimmed lean and meticulously chopped and dried meat. The primary reason it’s chopped dried is to ensure that it doesn’t spoil.

In addition, to ensure that beef jerky is protected from bacteria growth and total dehydration, salt is added to it.

When beef jerky undergoes dehydration, it tends to be very hard and so frustrating to consume; therefore, the need to learn how to make beef jerky soft again is well pronounced.

To make beef Jerky soft again you can microwave it, add soy sauce, saute or place it in an airtight container with vegetables.

Beef jerky is undoubtedly a fantastic snack to consume either as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

In this article, we will explain how to make beef jerky soft again and other related topics ranging from beef jerky. Keep reading!

Related: What can I substitute for Andouille sausage?

Is Beef Jerky Healthy to Consume?

I know you may be familiar with the phrase ” Moderation is great in everything we do” this phase also applies to consuming beef jerky.

There is no cause for alarm because beef jerky is healthy to consume. However, it’s more beneficial to consume unprocessed food.  

Even though beef jerky is healthy to consume, you need to discipline yourself not to consume too much because it contains a high sodium level. Always remember the Moderation phrase.

What Is Beef Jerky Made Of?

Beef Jerky is simply a product of a cow, or rather I will say, “cow meat”. however, it’s not all part of cow meat that is meant for the processing of beef jerky; that’s why whole-muscle cuts are the best.

Apart from cow meat, any meat source can serve as a product for jerky, as far as it’s a lean cut such as pork loin or beef round roasts.

Is Beef Jerky Good for Losing Weight?

Beef jerky is a snack that can be categorized as a protein, but it can serve as an excellent weight-loss snack.

From our research, I found out that beef jerky was ranked high on the “My Fave High Protein Snacks For Weight Loss” list.

So yes, as long as beef jerky is moderately consumed, it’s a wise choice when you need a convenient source of protein.

Why Is My Beef Jerky So Dried and Hard?

Your jerky is so dried and challenging because it’s highly dehydrated for a very long time. But it shouldn’t be a thing of worry because there is a way out to make it soft again.

When beef jerky becomes so dried and complex, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad and can’t be used.

How to Make Beef Jerky Soft Again

Beef jerky can be soft again through the following method listed below.

Microwave Method

This method is handy when you want to make beef jerky soft again. First things first, microwave jerky for about 10 seconds at a time until so soft.

However, this method is the fastest method for making beef jerky soft again; however, it’s also dangerous because your jerky can get burnt if it remains in the microwave for long.

It’s also important to note that beef jerky getting soft by this method doesn’t stay soft for long; therefore, it’s wise to consume it as soon as possible.

Adding Soy Sauce Method

No matter how tough beef jerky is, if you blush it with soy sauce and leave it for 45 minutes, it will be soft again.

Like every seed producing its fruits, soy sauce is one of the essential ingredients used to prepare beef jerky; therefore, it has been one of the recipes for softening that shouldn’t surprise you.

Read: How Much Carne Asada Per Person

Sauteing Method 

If your beef jerky isn’t soft, another trusted method to make it soft is to “Saute it”. (f you intend to cook with it).

First, you need to carefully Saute approximately four ounces of chopped beef jerky in butter for about 5 minutes to soften.

Then, to make beef jerky soft and ready for cooking, you should soak it in water for an hour.

Airtight Container Method

Put the beef jerky in an airtight container overnight with a moist vegetable like a carrot or a celery stick.

The vegetable will soften the jerky in the same way as a slice of bread softens brown sugar by slowly transferring moisture. This process is slow, but it is simple and safe.

Is Your Poop Crimson After Eating Beef Jerky?

Because beef is one of the types of meat we refer to as “red meat,” it may seem plausible that eating beef jerky causes your stool to turn crimson.

However, we don’t believe that the beef causes your excrement to turn red. But that doesn’t rule out jerky.

Despite the lack of evidence, it is theoretically feasible that your excrement appears red due to the jerky or the marinade used to make it.

There’s a good chance your poop is crimson for another cause with that in mind. We recommend that you contact your doctor because several of them could signify significant health issues.

Which Component of the Cow Is Used to Make Beef Jerky?

While the best cuts are top round, bottom round, pectoral, and lifter, flank and skirt steak can also be used to produce jerky.

These beef cuts are all lean, inexpensive, and flavorful. Let’s look at a few different beef cuts and see how to choose them.

Downsides of Beef Jerky

Even though beef jerky is a healthy snack, it should be consumed in moderation.

It’s heavy in sodium, with a 1-ounce (28-gram) portion accounting for around 22% of your daily sodium requirement of 2,300 mg.

Excess salt consumption can impair your health, including heart health, blood pressure, and stroke risk.

This also makes it unsuitable for specific sodium-restricted diets.

Jerky made from beef is also extensively processed. Numerous studies have linked a high-processed and cured red meat diet, such as beef jerky, to an increased risk of malignancies like gastrointestinal cancers.

Beef jerky is a nutritious food that should be enjoyed in moderation. However, whole, unprocessed foods should make up most of your diet.

What Is the Shelf Life of Beef Jerky?

Whether you make your beef jerky or buy it, it will last longer. Commercial beef jerky is best consumed within a year of purchase.

Eat it within six months of purchase to get the most out of the jerky’s premium flavor and texture.

If you store homemade beef jerky in an airtight container after creating it, it should last one to two months.

Beef jerky can keep in a Ziplock bag in your pantry for about a week. You may also anticipate your beef jerky to last longer if you keep it in the fridge.

Read: How to Tell if Frozen Deer Meat Is Bad

Conclusion

Before microwaving beef jerky, place a damp paper towel on top to moisten it even more. To prevent burning, make sure the towel is moist all over.

When eating beef jerky, always remember to eat in moderation and use one of the above methods to soften it up again.

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